Talk Music Talk with boice

As the premier opera music authority, Fred Plotkin possesses the history of Italy at his fingertips. Not by birthright, mind you, but still rooted in his DNA. A racially-diverse Brooklyn rearing included ample time spent in the homes of Italian friends which spawned a love for their rich culture. Fred also grew up on a constant diet of classical music in his own home. His love for all things Italian was set after Fred graduated high school and his mother rented a Tuscany apartment for them to spend a summer vacation. Eventually his twin passions of opera and Italian culture would lead to a storied career as journalist, lecturer and the author of nine books including Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera and Italy for the Gourmet Traveler. Fred's expertise recently earned him the Cavaliere della Stella d'Italia, the Italian equivalent of knighthood, conferred by the president of Italy.

Read Fred Plotkin's Operavore blog: http://www.wqxr.org/operavore

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"Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)"-FULL VERSION

Written and Composed on an iPad by boice.

https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

Kat Cunning is a star! There...I said it. Now catch up. Actor. Singer. Dancer. Photographer. If I've left out anything, it's only because there's nothing she can't do. Kat deftly moves from strength to strength in everything she touches. Transcendent as the Fairy Godmother in Company XIV's Baroque-Burlesque interpretation of Cinderella. Rapturous at a sold-out Joe's Pub performance in December 2015. The new year ushers in even more abundance of riches with Kat's leap to Broadway in Cirque de Soleil's Paramour as the lead actress' understudy in addition to her own character, Lila. The Portland native will also release her debut album of original material this year. Kat Cunning will own 2016!

Visit Kat Cunning online: http://www.katcunning.com/

Talk Music Talk Playlist/063: Bowie TributeAt the release of this week's TMT podcast, it will be less than 24 hours of hearing of David Bowie's passing. I've been a lifelong fan since I first bought his live album, Stage, on double- vinyl at my local library for 50 cents. It's a cliche to say it changed my life, but I had never heard music that was so strange, so beautiful and gave me something new to discover every time I listened to those four sides. This week's Spotify playlist is my tribute to the brilliance of David Bowie with some of my favorite music he left for the world. Rest in Peace Starman. https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/0utnkZtkpfR6NhRSBEPnea

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

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"Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)"-FULL VERSION

Written and Composed on an iPad by boice.

https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

Drummer. Feminist. Activist. Badass. Kiran Gandhi occupies these labels and also defies and expands them to her liking. Kiran is in constant motion from studying at Georgetown University to obtaining a Harvard MBA while simultaneously touring with M.I.A. to crafting a stint as Interscope Records' first digital analyst. She's also spoken at TEDxBrooklyn on her "Atomic Living" concept of finding multiple pillars that you're passionate about and then choosing the various moments and opportunities that arise to support them. Most recently, one of Kiran's pillars, gender equality, went viral in August of 2015. She ran the London marathon sans sanitary protection to give voice to "sisters who don't have tampons" and to end "period shaming". Post-race pictures display Kiran proudly posing with clear evidence of her menstrual cycle in effect. Yeah, just another day in the life of a badass. In 2016, Kiran will bring that same rebellious spirit to her debut album.

Visit Kiran Gandhi online: https://soundcloud.com/madamegandhi https://www.instagram.com/madamegandhi/Related Interview with Mindy Abovitz of Tom Tom magazine

Talk Music Talk Playlist: She's the DrummerIt's appropriately time for a previously used Spotify playlist. Episode 052 of TMT featured Mindy Abovitiz, creator and editor of Tom Tom magazine, the world's only periodical dedicated to female drummers. Mindy was also my introduction to Kiran Gandhi. For Mindy's playlist, I created a playlist featuring some of the best female drummers ever. Therefore, I bring you "She's the Drummer" once again. Velvet Underground's Maureen Tucker. The Go-Go's. Sheila E. and so much more. 70 minutes of phenomenal female percussion. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/2QBEOmsXqb5l4O2ZMawkWe

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

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"Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)"-FULL VERSION

Written and Composed on an iPad by boice.

https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

Music writer Marshall Yarbrough closes out Talk Music Talk's final episode of 2015 with his picks of the year. The Assistant Music Editor of the Brooklyn Rail newspaper explains in detail what albums, books and events in music excited him the most.

Visit Marshall Yarbrough at the Brooklyn Rail:http://www.brooklynrail.org/2015/12/music

Talk Music Talk Playlist/061: The Best of TMT Music

For my final Spotify playlist of the year, I've pulled together the best music of my TMT guests since the podcast's November 2014 inception. The bulk of the selections are from 2015 with a few stray tracks from previous years due to availability. Gathered together, the collection is an aural representation for my love of various musical genres. Country. Electronica. Avant-garde. Pop. Soul. And more. Listen without prejudice to my most eclectic playlist ever. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/5dHunM3H4kwt78L8xMRRTd

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

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If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to leave a review and/or rating.It Reviews and ratings help to improve TMT rankings and spread the word. Thanks!

"Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)"-FULL VERSION

Written and Composed on an iPad by boice.

https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

What's not to admire about music psychotherapist Brian Harris. For over the past 20 years he's dedicated himself to improving the lives of others through music. He's a nationally certified and state licensed therapist with two degrees in music therapy. Brian's innovative analytic and vocal psychotherapy techniques have helped people from all walks of life including trauma survivors, children with developmental disabilities and also, adults dealing with Alzheimer's and related dementia. Brian's astute understanding of the mind and body connection has led to a recent tenure at Beth Israel Medical Center's Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine in New York City. He's also an adjunct at NYU where he received a Masters degree in their music therapy program.

Visit Brian Harris online: http://www.briantharris.org

Talk Music Talk Playlist/060: Oh Xmas!This week's Spotify playlist is gently used. With the busy holiday season in full bloom, I thought it would be a perfect time to share (again) a mixtape I made in 2014. It's just a taste of some of my favorite holiday music featuring the Supremes, Tracey Thorn, the Carpenters and of course, "Purple Snowflakes" by Marvin Gaye: a song I listen to any time of the year. Here's to a wonderful Holiday Season!!! Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/62R3IasMidR0DKB3AvfpF7

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

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If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to leave a review and/or rating.It Reviews and ratings help to improve TMT rankings and spread the word. Thanks!

"Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)"-FULL VERSION

Written and Composed on an iPad by boice.

https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

Multi-woodwind player Yacine Boularès is the bandleader of Ajoyo, which means "celebration" in Yoruba. It's a fitting name for a group whose songs represent a joyous, whirlwind synthesis of jazz, soul and African music. As a Fulbright Laureate, Yacine attended the New School for Jazz, where the French-Tunisian musician first met and collaborated with vocalist/composer Sarah Elizabeth Charles. Ajoyo's self-titled debut features the two-time TMT guest (episodes #21 & #36) on six of the eight titles. Sarah served as my introduction to Ajoyo and was also my entry point to pianist Jesse Fischer. Listen to companion episode #56 of TMT to hear my conversation with Jesse.

Yacine was recently awarded a French American Jazz Exchange grant to produce his new trio with cellist Vincent Segal and drummer Nasheet Waits. The project will premiere next year with an album plus performances. Hopefully, 2016 will also see the sophomore Ajoyo release.

Visit Yacine Boularès online: http://www.yacineboulares.com http://www.ajoyomusic.com/

Talk Music Talk Playlist/056 & 057: Ajoyo + Jesse Fischer EP This week's Spotify playlist is both short and delightful featuring just a smidgen of music from my companion shows with Yacine Boularès of Ajoyo and Jesse Fischer. Three a piece. That's it. It's just a sampler of their recent work to hopefully leave you wanting more. I'm sure it will. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/4ka8HejIpSWkdhBFb3x5sO

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

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Singer-Songwriter Steve Garvin first picked up the guitar at age 19 when he was a freshman at Villanova University. After graduation, he landed in Chinatown where his New York-sized bedroom doubles as a DIY recording studio. The result? His recently released EP, Don't Run Away, proves that maybe size really doesn't matter. The sound? A gorgeous rush of '60s- dappled harmonies and classic songwriting dipped in an array of '80s synth influences. The Midwestern transplant is intent on growing as an artist and perfecting his craft. So far? So good.

Visit Steve Garvin online: http://www.stevegarvinmusic.com/ https://soundcloud.com/stevegarvin

Talk Music Talk Playlist/059: Early SummerMy conversation with Steve Garvin inspired this week's Spotify playlist with his robust song "Don't Run Away" which feels like the perfect summer albeit a little late. Or maybe he's too early?! In any case, I chose a half-hour's worth of songs perfect for the summer that span a range of emotions from ballads to up-tempo numbers. From the obscure Betty Foster to the well-known, well-loved Beach Boys and the Kinks. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/04B8Co4BJ0loK8wgQoQTT3

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

Subscribe to TMT on iTunes:

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"Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)"-FULL VERSION

Written and Composed on an iPad by boice.

https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

For label head Noah Padawer-Curry, Onamazu represents the rarefied challenge of releasing electronica music that succeeds inside of the club and inside of your flat. The label specializes in Downtempo Bass music with an eclectic roster of artists from all over the world that blow up the definition of the genre. Since its April 2015 conception, Onamazu has achieved eminent signs of a bright future including 2000-plus SoundCloud followers and multiple featured placements on Spotify. For Noah and business partner/graphic designer Max Burstein, 2016 will surely bring in continued milestones with upcoming plans to expand into touring the label's acts and also, producing a clothing line that will appeal to both fans and anyone who loves graphics that are as singular as Onamazu's sound.

Visit Noah Padawer-Curry and Onamazu online: https://soundcloud.com/onamazu

Visit Max Burstein online: http://www.maxwburstein.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

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2015 has been an eventful year for pianist/composer/producer Jesse Fischer. He released two records that managed to reveal multiple aspects of his talent. First there was Vein Melter, a collaboration with horn player Sly5thAve, that was a powerful reimagining of Herbie Hancock's 70's fusion masterpiece, Headhunters. Then in September, Jesse returned as a bandleader with the diverse, poignant Day Dreamer that found him adding lyrics to his music for the time. Day Dreamer stars vocalist/composer and two-time TMT guest (episodes #21 & #36), Sarah Elizabeth Charles, on four titles. In addition to introducing me to Jesse, Sarah was also my connection to the group Ajoyo, who are led by multi-woodwind player Yacine Boularès with Sarah as the featured vocalist. Listen to companion episode #57 of TMT to hear my conversation with Yacine.

Visit Jesse Fischer online: http://www.jessefischer.com/

*****In my intro and outro, I mistakenly refer to Jesse's Vein Melter collaborator Sly5thAve as "Sly5thAvenue". My apologies to him.

Talk Music Talk Playlist/056 & 057: Ajoyo + Jesse Fischer EP This week's Spotify playlist is both short and delightful featuring just a smidgen of music from my companion shows with Yacine Boularès of Ajoyo and Jesse Fischer. Three a piece. That's it. It's just a sampler of their recent work to hopefully leave you wanting more. I'm sure it will. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/4ka8HejIpSWkdhBFb3x5sO

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

Subscribe to TMT on iTunes:

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It's hardly a coincidence that the enthusiasm careening from J. Hoard's earworm of a single "Not So Fast" is an accurate portrait of the artist as a young man. Mildly pretentious James Joyce references aside, one can experience the celebration Jonathan demonstrates in his performances and on his aptly-titled debut EP, Feel Good. The Columbus, OH native currently resides in Brooklyn and is perfecting the upcoming full-length Feel Good album. Jonathan is also busy performing on stages from city to city including Gentei Kaijo's the Lesson, a Thursday nite jam at Arlene's Grocery, where you can catch Jonathan freestyle singing (and dancing) to weekly packed crowds. Just try to deny the unadulterated joy and immense talent of J. Hoard.

Visit J. Hoard online: https://soundcloud.com/jhoard https://www.facebook.com/jhoardmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/jhoardmusic/ http://thelessonnyc.com/

Talk Music Talk Playlist/055: Oh Brandy!This week's Spotify playlist is my unabashed tribute to Brandy. J. Hoard and I raved on her brilliance in our conversation and I'm actually surprised I haven't compiled a playlist sooner. Therefore, I'm making up for lost time with over three dozen of my favorite songs. From the self- titled debut to Ms. Norwood's 2012 comeback with a few rarities tossed in here and there. If you're only familiar with the big hits, here's your chance to study Brandy's original lead vocals and innovative backing arrangements. Class starts...now! Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/therattlecat/playlist/7i038MOLeKLC11egPa81Rp

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thisisboice/

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